Free Education Programs for Hamilton County, Ohio Schools

Composting 101

In Hamilton County, more than 22% of what goes into our landfills could be composted. Learn the fundamentals of backyard composting and indoor vermicomposting while your students use science inquiry and applications. Composting is an easy and effective way to keep organics out of the landfill.

Grade / Themes / Strand / Topic
P / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Observations of Living Things
K / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Physical and Behavioral Traits of Living Things
1 / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Basic Needs of Living Things
2 / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Interactions within Habitats
3 / Interconnections within Systems / Life Science / Behavior Growth and Changes
5 / Interconnections within Systems / Life Science / Interactions within Ecosystems
7 / Order and Organization / Life Science
& Physical Science / Cycles of Matter and Flow of Energy;
Conservation of Mass and Energy

Conservation of Resources

In Hamilton County, nearly 41% of what we throw in the trash could be recycled. Students will learn the what, why, and how of recycling programs while using science inquiry and applications.

Grade / Themes / Strand / Topic
P / Observations
of the Environment / Physical Science / Observations of Objects and Materials
K / Observations
of the Environment / Physical Science / Properties of Everyday Objects and Materials
1 / Observations
of the Environment / Physical Science / Motion and Materials
3 / Interconnections within Systems / Earth and Space Science / Earth’s Resources
4 / Interconnections within Systems / Physical Science / Electricity, Heat and Matter
6 / Order and Organization / Earth Science / Rocks, Minerals and Soil
7 / Order and Organization / Life Science
& Physical Science / Cycles of Matter and Flow of Energy; Conservation of Mass and Energy

Food is a Valuable Resource

Anyone who has walked through a cafeteria knows first-hand how much good food is being thrown out, but did you know 40% of the food in the U.S. never gets eaten even though one in six in Hamilton County is food insecure? This lesson will bring awareness to your students of the real value of food, introduce food as a system, offer tips on wasting less while helping others who are hungry.

Grade / Themes / Strand / Topic
1 / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Basic Needs of Living Things
2 / Observations
of the Environment / Life Science / Interactions within Habitats
3 / Interconnections within Systems / Earth and Space Science / Earth’s Resources
4 / Interconnections within Systems / Life Science / Earth’s Living History
5 / Interconnections within Systems / Life Science / Interactions within Ecosystems

Paper Factory

Nearly 32% of the material going into our landfills is paper, making it the largest component of the waste stream. A recent study identified nearly all the paper is either recyclable or compostable. This program describes the production of paper from its virgin state and recycled state, and allows students to participate in making recycled paper.

Food is a Valuable Resource

Changing States of Matter: Crude Oil to Shrinky Dinks

Over 21% of what goes into our landfill in Hamilton County is plastic. In this lesson students will follow crude oil from its virgin state to gas and finally to a solid plastic. Next, they will create Shrinky Dinks using #6 plastic, an “upcycled” creation. This lesson uses toaster ovens and permanent markers and is not intended for the youngest students.

Grade / Themes / Strand / Topic
3 / Interconnections within Systems / Physical Science / Matter and Forms of Energy
4 / Interconnections within Systems / Physical Science / Electricity, Heat and Matter

Recycling is Doggone Easy

Students will be read a book then participate in a recycling activity, sing a song, and do a cheer in this introduction to recycling.

To schedule a program contact Jenny Lohmann at or call 513-946-7736.All programs are updated to include theOhio Science Education Standards. Programs last approximately 45 minutes and can be tailored to meet your needs.

Please check HamiltonCountyRecycles.org periodically for new lessons plans which can be presented by us or for your personal use.

In-Service Days and After School Opportunities

School Staff, PTA/PTO Meetings varied times

Learn how you and your school can reduce waste. Presentations are tailored to your school’s needs and can be scheduled before, during, or after school.

Teacher workshops are available to fit your needs on such topics as: School Recycling; Project Learning Tree Curriculums; or Vermicomposting (worm bins). Minimum number of 12 participants required.

Learn how to pack a Garbage Free Lunch. School garbage cans are full of uneaten food and packaging waste. This program is designed to educate on preventing wasted food and packaging, all while saving you money.

For Student Clubs or Scout Groups

Is your student council, ecology club, green team, or scout group interested in reducing waste or starting a recycling program at school? Recycling Rocks! will train your students to be green guardians and experts in waste reduction.Minimum number of 12 participants required. All other programs are also available to after-school groups.

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1 / Revised 7/2017